A Merseyside man is thought to have keen kidnapped in Spain by men posing as police officers.

The parents of Francis Brennan, 25, have appealed for information about his disappearance last month.

Mr Brennan was last seen in Alicante on January 24 when he was stopped in a friend's car by several men who posed as officers.The Spanish authorities believe he was then taken against his will.

Mr Brennan fled the UK for Spain ahead of a sentencing date last October for an assault he committed in the Thames Valley area in 2012.

"Francis has not been seen since and this is clearly of great concern to the family and the authorities in both the UK and Spain.

"Francis's disappearance is completely out of character and because of this, as well as his associations and lifestyle, ourselves and the Spanish police are extremely concerned for his safety.

"We do however believe he has been taken against his will and we and his family are hopeful that someone in the criminal fraternity here in Merseyside has information that could help bring about the safe return of Francis."